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Folau can be 'next big thing'

Paul Cully

The next SBW? Israel Folau starts a season with his third code this year.

FORMER Greater Western Sydney recruit turned Waratah Israel Folau has the potential to follow in Sonny Bill Williams' footsteps and be ''a real star'' at Super Rugby and Test level, says World Cup-winning All Black Richard Kahui.

Kahui, who played alongside Williams in the Chiefs' midfield during last year's Super Rugby tournament, was in no doubt Folau had the tools to emulate the Sydney Roosters-bound centre. ''You saw Sonny and the strides he made in Super Rugby and I think Israel Folau can be the same and be the next big thing,'' he said.

''Obviously, he [Folau] was a phenomenal [rugby] league player and then made the transition to AFL, so there will be a lot of things he would have picked up playing AFL - work rate, his kicking game, things like that.

''I think he could potentially be a real star in Super Rugby and international rugby.''

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Kahui, who plays at outside-centre for the Chiefs but was one of the World Cup's outstanding wingers, said Folau could play in several positions but felt his immediate future was at outside-centre or wing.